Careers that require a doctoral degree are concentrated in healthcare, science and education. Individuals who enjoy intense study, research and academic environments should consider pursuing a doctoral program in their field of interest. The doctoral degree typically requires four to seven years to complete, but can lead to well-respected, high-paying careers.

Psychologists

Psychologists earn a PhD or Psy.D as a doctor of psychology. They evaluate and diagnose patient behavior and provide patient counseling and therapy to children and adults. They may specialize in treating emotional and mood disorders. Psychologists work in schools, health facilities, correctional facilities and private or public clinics. They include child psychologists, school psychologists and clinical psychologists. Psychologists must hold a license in their state of practice.

Physicians, Surgeons and Doctors

Physicians, surgeons and doctors may earn a doctor of medicine, or M.D., and may further their education by specializing in a particular field, for example surgery, cardiology, pediatrics or podiatry. Other professionals may gain a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) to become a veterinarian, or a doctor of chiropractic (D.C.) to become a chiropractor. All doctors, surgeons and physicians must hold a license in their state of practice.

Professors

Professors do a combination of teaching and research at the four-year college level. They may gain a doctorate in science and teach as chemistry, biology and environmental science professors. Some may obtain a doctoral degree in accounting or finance and teach business students. Others may become sociology professors, law professors or political-science professors.

Scientists

Scientists, who typically hold PhDs, conduct research, testing and investigation in their field of research. They may work as medical scientists and conduct research on human disease, or as a marine biologists and study sea creatures such as dolphins or sharks. Some work as animal, food or plant scientists. Other careers include cancer researcher, toxicologist and epidemiologist.

About the Author

Keela Helstrom began writing in 2010. She is a Certified Public Accountant with over 10 years of accounting and finance experience. Though working as a consultant, most of her career has been spent in corporate finance. Helstrom attended Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and has her Bachelor of Science in accounting.